VERDURE WITH DANCING NYMPHS: _In a wooded dell are four nymphs dancing. Beyond is a glimpse of an open pasture with cows._
[Sidenote: Lent by _Dikran K. Kelekian_.]
The strong and brilliant trees throw into sharp contrast the delicate perfection of the bit of landscape beyond. The nymphs are probably after Noël Coypel. The use of the red to relieve the general tone of green is especially successful.
_Wool, Silk, Gold._ H. 15 _ft._ 8 _in._ W. 11 _ft._ 10 _in._ ]
THE CONQUEST OF LOUIS THE GREAT: _Louis XIV on horseback with two attendants points with his cane to the siege of a city whose defenses are surrounded by water. In the upper border appear the arms of Count Bruhl of Saxony. The piece is one of a set of seven._
[Sidenote: Formerly in the Lord Amherst Collection.]
[Sidenote: Illustrated: _Badin, La Manufacture de la Tapisserie de Beauvais_, opp. p. 4.]
This is a very rare example from one of the earliest sets woven at Beauvais when the factory was under the direction of Behagle. The cartoon was designed either by Van der Meulen or his greatest pupil, Jean-Baptiste Martin, later called Martin of the Battles, because of a famous series of cartoons which he made for the Beauvais works illustrating the victories of Sweden over Denmark.
The richness of the king's group stands out brilliantly against the clear, cool color and sharp geometrical lines of the background. The city with its canals and buildings is exquisitely rendered, an interesting anticipation of an aeroplane view.
[Sidenote: Lent by _P. W. French & Company_.]
Adam Frans Van der Meulen (1632-1690) was a native of Brussels and studied there under Peter Snayers, but on recommendation of Le Brun was invited by Colbert to Paris, where he was pensioned by the king and given apartments in the Gobelins. In 1673 be was received into the Academy. He collaborated with Le Brun in making designs for the Gobelins, notably for the series of _The History of the King_.
No. 54: H. 10 _ft._ 4 _in._ W. 9 _ft._ 4 _in._
No. 55: H. 10 _ft._ 3½ _in._ W. 7 _ft._ 2 _in._
No. 56: H. 10 _ft._ 4½ _in._ W. 7 _ft._ 3 _in._ ]
THE OPERATIONS OF THE SIEGE OF LILLE: _Number_ 53 _represents the battle of Wynendael Wood._ _Lord Cobham on horseback with his sword drawn is in the midst of his troops._